Dealing With Navicular Disease

This condition causes chronic lameness in both front legs of a horse. Although there is no cure, it can be managed with special shoeing and anti-inflammatory drugs, says Dr Mac.

- Dr Mac

Navicular disease (not to be confused with laminitis) is found mainly in older horses and is more common in racehorses and Quarter Horses ridden in timed events. Knowing the anatomy of the forelimb helps to understand the causes and treatment of this chronic disease.

The navicular bone (F on the image) is located between the lower pastern bone and the coffin bone. Both the navicular and coffin are connected to the flexor tendon, which acts as a shock absorber when the foot strikes the ground.

The front legs of a horse carry 60% of its weight, so if the structures in the forelimbs are not balanced, the joints, bones and tendons are likely to be injured.